Translucent rotary cutting die

Abstract

A rotary cutting die includes a translucent or transparent rotary die plate having an inner surface and an outer surface. A cutting rule that defines a cutting design is supported by the die plate. The cutting rule includes a cutting edge, which extends above the outer surface of the die plate, and a support edge disposed within the die plate. The support edge preferably includes a plurality of key-hole shaped notches. Preferably, a plurality of S-shaped hooks are connected to the key-hole notches, and serve to reinforce the rotary die plate and to support the cutting rule in the rotary die plate. The die plate is preferably formed from an epoxy material that, upon hardening or setting, exhibits a low shrink factor.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A rotary cutting die comprising: a translucent rotary die plate comprising an inner surface and an outer surface;   a cutting rule defining a predetermined design and comprising a cutting edge and a support edge, the cutting edge extending above the outer surface of the rotary die plate and the support edge disposed within the rotary die plate, the support edge comprising a plurality of notches; and   a plurality of interlocking connectors which are received in the notches and which project outwardly from the cutting rule to secure the cutting rule to the rotary die plate, said interlocking connectors being disposed within the rotary die plate.   
     
     
       2. The rotary cutting die of claim 1 wherein the comprised of RP140 water-clear epoxy. 
     
     
       3. The rotary cutting die of claim 1 wherein the plurality of interlocking connectors connected to the notches in the cutting rule are operable to reinforce the rotary die plate. 
     
     
       4. A rotary cutting die comprising: a translucent rotary die plate comprising an inner surface and an outer surface;   a cutting rule defining a predetermined design and comprising a cutting edge and a support edge, the cutting edge extending above the outer surface of the rotary die plate and the support edge disposed within the rotary die plate, the support edge comprising a plurality of openings; and   a plurality of interlocking connectors positioned through the openings in the cutting rule and projecting transversely to the support edge, the interlocking connectors being disposed within the rotary die plate and operable to secure the cutting rule in the rotary die plate.   
     
     
       5. The rotary cutting die of claim 4 wherein the interlocking connectors are further operable to reinforce the rotary die plate. 
     
     
       6. The rotary cutting die of claim 4 wherein the rotary die plate is comprised of RP140 water-clear epoxy.